DENVER — Russell Westbrook proved to be the game-changer for the Denver Nuggets against his former team, delivering key plays in crucial moments despite the recent upheavals within the team. The sudden exit of coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth right before the playoffs could have overshadowed their preparation, but Westbrook stepped up when it mattered most.
Nikola Jokic praised Westbrook’s performance after he successfully executed an uncontested corner three-pointer that secured a two-point lead for Denver late in regular time. Additionally, Westbrook intercepted an inbounds pass from James Harden with just 9.6 seconds remaining in overtime, helping the Nuggets clinch a 112-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
“That’s the kind of player he is,” Jokic remarked, acknowledging the familiarity Westbrook had with the opposing team’s plays, having been part of them in previous seasons.
Westbrook’s efforts were instrumental in forcing the Clippers into 20 turnovers, with Kawhi Leonard contributing an unusual seven of those. “Russ is Russ,” interim coach David Adelman stated, highlighting Westbrook’s tremendous defensive play. “He was everywhere, playing like a free safety and energizing the game.”
Offensively, Westbrook was unrelenting. “He attacked,” Adelman added. Although the team could have opted for more tactical plays, Westbrook’s instinct was to go on the offensive, ultimately draining a critical three-pointer.
While Jokic added 29 points to the scoreboard, missing a triple-double by just one rebound, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray scored 25 and 21 points respectively, helping the Nuggets rally from a significant first-half deficit. This comeback extinguished the momentum of the Clippers, who were entering the playoffs as the hottest team.
Coming in as the No. 5 seed, this defeat marked the Clippers’ first since their March 30th game in Cleveland. They had entered the playoffs with an impressive streak, winning 18 of their last 21 games, including eight straight victories.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue regretted the loss, commenting, “Turn over 20 times against the best team in offensive transitions, and you’re bound to lose.” Harden stood out for the Clippers, leading with 32 points, while Leonard and Ivica Zubac added 22 and 21 points, respectively.
Leonard downplayed the setback, emphasizing the good morale within the team. “It’s just Game 1,” he said, acknowledging Denver’s strength, especially on their home court, and reminding that they have Game 2 scheduled for Monday night at Ball Arena.
Adelman attributed the Nuggets’ late resurgence to their 13-2 run in the second quarter, bringing them within reach by halftime at 53-49. “It felt like we were steadily climbing,” Adelman described.
Westbrook led the charge, making vital plays despite hitting only five out of 17 shots from the field. “People focus too much on missed shots,” Westbrook explained. “Playoffs are about winning the game. My focus is on making winning plays, not about shot stats.”
He certainly lived up to his words with his pivotal contributions.